Conceptualizing Europeanisation

Abstract

This article subjects the existing literature on the concept of Europeanisation to critical scrutiny. It begins by providing a general discussion of the methodology of concept formation. It then goes on to assess five current usage’s of the term Europeanisation, before providing an alternative definition. The main argument pursued here is that academics have been too quick to conceptualise Europeanisation as a process which is capable of producing certain effects. Conversely, not enough time has been spent on the subject of what Europeanisation actually is (and, indeed, whether it exists). Unless scholars refocus their efforts towards the subject of Europeanisation, there is a danger of misrepresenting or reifying its supposed effects.